The Holy See Press Office announced Monday that medical tests conducted over the past several days confirmed Pope Francis has a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, leading to a change in treatment and hospitalization.

“All tests carried out to date are indicative of a complex clinical picture that will require appropriate hospitalization,” the statement said.

As a result, the Vatican confirmed the Pope’s General Audience this week has been cancelled.

The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, also told journalists on Monday that the Pope is in good spirits. 

On Friday and Saturday, the Holy Father called the the parishioners of the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, led by Argentine-born Father Gabriel Romanelli and his assistant, Egyptian-born Father Yusuf Asad.

The Holy Father, who has frequently spoken with Father Romanelli throughout the nearly 15 months of massacres, violence, fear, and hunger, called to check in, as he does daily, to see how everyone was doing.

 Speaking to Vatican Media’s Salvatore Cernuzio, Father Romanelli noted, “The Holy Father called us the first two days of hospitalization, people were waiting at 8 p.m. Gaza time as always.”


“Although we had a blackout in the whole area of Gaza City, he insisted and managed to contact us with a video-call,” he shared.

As the Pope checked in on the parishioners and imparted his blessing, the people expressed their closeness to him.

“We heard his voice. It is true, he is more tired. He himself said, ‘I have to take care of myself.’ But you could hear the clear voice, he listened to us well,” the Argentine priest stressed.

Last night, on Sunday, however, “Pope Francis sent a written message to my cell phone,” Father Gabriel recounted. 

“There was no expectation in the Holy Family people for the Pope’s call. Yet the Pope, regardless, sent the pastor of the parish a message saying he thanked Father Romanelli for the parish’s closeness and prayers, and reciprocated with his blessing.”

Finally, Father Romanelli expressed, “We hope that the recovery will happen soon, and that he can return to St. Peter’s to continue his mission and work.”

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